Liverpool have found out who they could face in the Champions League last-16
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Liverpool will either face Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 when the draw is made on Friday. Diego Simeone's team secured their place in the last-16 thanks to a 7-4 aggregate victory over Club Brugge.
The first leg had been a pulsating 3-3 draw but Atletico dismantled the Belgians 4-1 in the second leg. Turkish giants Galatasaray almost saw their Champions League dreams go up in smoke as they had to strike twice in extra time to see off Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, despite entering the second leg with a 5-2 lead.
The Reds have an intriguing and difficult history with both teams. However, neither represents an easy pathway to the Champions League quarter-final. Here, The ECHO takes a look at the six-time European Champions' potential nightmare scenario.
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Atletico Madrid
Should Liverpool face Atletico it will be the second time the teams have met this season. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and a late winner from Virgil van Dijk ensured the Reds beat Atletico 3-2 in a tense affair at Anfield in September.
However, it was a game memorable for a meltdown from Atletico boss Simeone that saw him receive his marching orders from the referee. After beating Brugge, Simeone even claimed he is “not thinking about Liverpool” with a potentially awkward return now on the cards for the famously feisty Argentinian.
Overall, Liverpool have played Atletico nine times since 2008. The Reds have won four of those ties, drawn two and lost three.
Diego Simeone is sent off against Liverpool
Diego Simeone was sent off against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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The good news for Liverpool is that Atletico are well off the pace in La Liga this season, having lost five and drawn six in 25 games. Simeone's side finished 14th in the Champions League league-phase, losing three, drawing once and winning four.
While Liverpool might not be facing a vintage Atletico side, it's still a side powered by unpredictable forwards in the guise of Alexander Sorloth, who bagged a hat-trick against Brugge, the in-demand Julian Alvarez and veteran Frenchman Antoine Griezmann. Not to mention midfielder Marcos Llorente, who has remarkably scored four goals against Liverpool in as many games.
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez is reportedly the subject of interest from Manchester United(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Most notably, and somewhat ominously for Slot, Simeone's side have eliminated Liverpool on the two occasions the clubs have met in European knock-out competition. In 2020 with Liverpool then under Jurgen Klopp, Atletico saw off the Reds 4-2 on aggregate, despite Liverpool dominating their opponents at Anfield.
In April 2010, the Spanish giants shattered red hearts again. Atletico scored a late away goal at Anfield in the Europa League semi-finals to send Liverpool, then under Rafael Benitez, crashing out of the tournament.
Galatasaray
Liverpool have faced the Turkish powerhouse on five occasions in European competition. The Reds have won just one of those encounters, losing two and drawing two.
Just as with Atletico, the Reds have already played Galatasaray this season, losing a frustrating contest at the Ali Sami Yen in September by a single goal - a penalty converted by Victor Osimhen.
You would have to go back to 2006 to find Liverpool's last win over the Turkish side. That was a 3-2 victory at the Ataturk Stadium with Liverpool then reigning European Champions under Benitez.
Victor Osimhen celebrates after Galatasaray's victory over Liverpool
Victor Osimhen celebrates after Galatasaray's victory over Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Similarly to the Spanish giants, Okan Buruk's side have an armoury of striking options that will intimidate any backline.
This season, Mauro Icardi, Osimhen, Burak Yilmaz and Leroy Sane have 34 goals between them, showing whatever forward line Buruk opts for, the danger is there. The Turkish side also lead the Super Lig standings by two points but did wrap up the Champions League league phase in a disappointing 20th place.
Who would Liverpool rather avoid?
It's a hard one to call, quite simply. Atletico probably represent the tougher tie, owed to their fiery temperament, array of attacking ability, and not to mention, usually robust defence.
The history between the two clubs, now aided by Simeone's red card last September, will also add flavour to any potential tie.
The fact Atletico have beaten Liverpool every time the two have met in a European knock-out encounter suggests the odds are in their favour too. If this is coupled with Liverpool's inconsistent form this season then it's likely the Reds would prefer to face Galatasaray when the draw is made come Friday.
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